Creative Residency

About the Open Call

The mission of the Creative Residency program at Bloedel Reserve is to foster creative thinking that is inspired by nature and that explores the connection between humans and the environment. For some residents, it is an intensely private time of rest and reflection, a chance to recharge their creative juices. For others, it’s a chance to experiment, play, begin new projects or continue developing works already in progress. The program provides artists and innovative thinkers with a three-week stay in a home on the Bloedel Reserve grounds, offering unlimited access to the Reserve’s 140 acres of sculpted gardens, forests, meadows, and wildlife habitats. Residents stay in a two-bedroom, two-bath home known as the Virginia Merrill Bloedel Education Center and have use of a Smart Car (proof of valid driver’s license required).

What is Offered

The Creative Residency program provides a three-week stay in a home on the Bloedel Reserve grounds, unlimited access to the Reserve’s 140 acres of sculpted gardens, forests, meadows, and wildlife habitats, and the use of a Smart Car.

Requirements

Applicants' projects, artwork, or research must relate to nature in some specific way, with special consideration given to projects investigating the relationship between people and the natural world. Once selected, each Creative Resident must offer a public presentation, workshop, lecture, demonstration, viewing, or concert as part of their Residency. Creative Residents must be 21-years of age, or older. No pets are allowed.

How to Apply

Applications for residency in 2026 are accessible between July 15th and September 1st via the provided online application portal at Slideroom.